The Washington County Service Authority (WCSA) Board of Commissioners voted to authorize a new rate structure and financial plan following a public hearing Monday evening at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The newly adopted rates result in two changes for WCSA customers: effective May 6, a decrease in water and wastewater connection fees and, effective June 1, an increase in monthly user fees. Residential water connection fees will decrease from $4,560 to $1,628, while residential wastewater connection fees will be reduced from $3,800 to $3,235. A typical WCSA residential water customer who uses 5,000 gallons per month will see an increase of less than a penny per gallon, or between $2 and $3 per month. Wastewater customers will experience similar cost adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn reviewing WCSA\u2019s rate structure, we didn\u2019t just look at our capital needs, but also carefully reviewed our operating costs,\u201d says Joe Chase, chairman, WCSA Board of Commissioners. \u201cLast year, in our pursuit of continuous improvement, WCSA worked to reduce costs by $100,000 per year. As has been the case in the past, WCSA staff continue to look at all aspects of our operations to reduce costs, which helps keep rates lower.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WCSA General Manager Robbie Cornett points out that WCSA\u2019s drinking water is delivered to the tap 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for almost a penny per gallon, compared to approximately $1 per gallon for bottled water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cornett adds that the WCSA Board of Commissioners had been considering its rate and financial plan for the past nine months.The board developed the plan with assistance provided by a nine-member Citizens\u2019 Advisory Task Force, comprised of individuals representing Washington County customer groups. The task force was unanimous in its recommendation to the WCSA Board of Commissioners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Charlotte, N.C.-based Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., which focuses on providing consulting services to water-industry utilities, provided a third-party analysis of WCSA\u2019s proposed financial plan and revised rate structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWCSA\u2019s financial plan and rate adjustments are aligned with stakeholder pricing objectives and designed to support the financial viability of an organization that provides critical and essential services to its customers,\u201d says Bart Kreps, senior manager at Raftelis Financial Consultants. \u201cWater and sewer rates in Virginia and across the country are increasing, and this trend will continue as utilities address infrastructure re-investment needs and meet new, more stringent regulatory requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cornett states that in addition to keeping costs low, achieving or exceeding regulatory compliance is equally important for WCSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile the financial health of WCSA is important, our customers also expect us to meet the public and environmental health needs of our customers and the environment,\u201d he says. \u201cIn 2013, WCSA met or exceeded all quality standards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, WCSA has been recognized by numerous organizations and agencies. Last month, WCSA was presented the Virginia Department of Health\u2019s 2013 Excellence in Waterworks Operations\/Performance Award for the 10th consecutive year. Earlier this year, the utility was recognized by Water System Operator Magazine for its system upgrades and use of technology to improve operating efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n